A FUNDING boost which has seen Colchester Council receive part of major grant to tackle anti-social behaviour has been welcomed.

Part of the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund, Colchester will benefit from a share of £1.1 million secured by Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst, alongside Colchester’s Community Safety team and Our Colchester BID.

Greenstead in particular will reap the benefits from the funding, with more than £490,000 to be spent on a mobile, re-deployable CCTV camera system, organising community action days, and employing a dedicated, full time neighbourhood warden.

Poorly lit alleyways in the area have previously seen Greenstead become a prime location for anti-social behaviour and crime, and it is hoped the cash injection will improve the visibility and presentation of key locations in the area.

The city centre will also receive a portion of money to address anti-social behaviour and sexual offences, which are higher in Colchester than other areas of Essex.

A total of £557,200 is to go towards the development of a young person ambassador, vulnerability training for more than 120 Colchester businesses and transport providers, and a ‘best bar none’ scheme to drive improve engagement with licensed premises.

Greenstead councillor Julie Young, who is also Colchester Council’s portfolio holder for housing and communities, said Colchester would be made a safer place thanks to the schemes which the Home Office grant can help to run.

She said: “It’s fantastic news that we can invest significant new money in a wide range of initiatives that will help tackle many of the concerns people have about crime and antisocial behaviour in their area.

“By drastically stepping up the action we take to deter the small but disruptive number of people who are blighting our neighbourhoods and the town centre, we can better prevent crime, reduce the fear of crime and make Colchester an even safer and more attractive place for residents and visitors alike.”

Police, fire and crime commissioner, Roger Hirst, added: “Nobody should feel afraid to go out in their community and this work will help create safer spaces which everybody can enjoy without fear.”